Chesterfield police capture fugitive

A manhunt for Jonathan Elbers, the Tuscola County man wanted for trying to kidnap and kill his 20-year-old former girlfriend in Chesterfield Township, was captured today after three days of being on the run, according to police.

Chesterfield Township Police Chief Bruce Smith said the 23-year-old suspect was found about 1:15 p.m. Sunday hiding in a hunting blind at a house on 25 Mile Road near New Haven Road. He surrendered without incident.

“We are very happy that he is in custody and no longer poses a danger to the public or the victim anymore,” Smith said.

Elbers had been on the run from the law since Thursday when police were called to the former girlfriend’s house. Her relatives were worried about her well being and asked police to conduct a welfare check.

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When officers arrived at the home, they called out her name and heard her yell “help me” from inside the house. Police entered the house and found her partially stuffed inside of a Christmas tree bag. The suspect was able to break free from during a struggle and fled the residence.

Police searched the area by foot and using a helicopter on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday night, a homeowner near 25 Mile and New Haven Road called police to report a home invasion. Officers returned to the house on Sunday and decided to check the hunting blind, which is where they found Elbers.

“The officer who found him just wouldn’t give up,” Smith said. “He started thinking about the deer blind and went back and asked the homeowner for permission to check the property again.”

While a multi-agency hunt had numerous reports of the suspect over the past three days, it appears he remained in the 25 Mile Road area during most of that time, Smith said.

“We put a lot of resources into finding this guy,” he said.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized warrants charging Elbers with assault with intent to murder, a life felony, first-degree home invasion, a 20-year felony, unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony, and assaulting a police officer, a 4-year felony.